TY  - JOUR
TI  - A unique association between herpes simplex esophagitis and eosinophilic esophagitis: a case report
AU  - Sabharwal, Sahil
AU  - Young, Brandyn
AU  - Sabharwal, Deepak
AU  - Sabharwal, Sarat C.
AU  - Ortego, Terryl
PY  - 2026
JO  - Exploration of Digestive Diseases
VL  - 5
SP  - 1005111
DO  - 10.37349/edd.2026.1005111
UR  - https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/edd/Article/1005111
AB  - Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) is a viral infection of the esophagus caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most commonly HSV-1. It predominantly presents among immunosuppressed individuals. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease characterized by significant eosinophilic infiltration in the esophageal mucosa. It is often associated with atopic diseases, asthma, food allergies, and eczema. Coexistence of HSE and EoE is rare and may be underdiagnosed due to challenges in diagnosing both conditions simultaneously. A major diagnostic dilemma can be traced to their histopathological similarities and differences. HSE is typically characterized by multinuclear giant cells containing intranuclear inclusions, while EoE involves eosinophilic infiltration in the esophageal epithelium. This case report highlights the rare but remarkable coexistence between HSE and EoE secondary to a unique patient case. Although each condition may cause esophagitis individually, together—particularly in immunocompetent individuals—they do present a different diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
ER  -